Guide: Calming Products for Cats
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Stress and anxiety are more common in cats than many owners realise. Calming supplements can help cats manage stressful situations such as changes in environment, travel, vet visits, or nail clipping — without affecting their personality or making them drowsy. There are several non-prescription options made with natural ingredients that support the nervous system and promote overall well-being.
In this guide, we’ll cover when calming supplements may be helpful for cats, the difference between over-the-counter options and prescription medications, and how to choose the right product for your cat. We’ll also introduce our most popular products, their active ingredients, and how they can be used in daily life.
Comparison of Calming Supplements for Cats
| Product | Type | Usage | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
Kalm Aid Tablets
|
Meat-flavoured tablets. | Daily or as needed. Dosage can be increased for one-off events like New Year’s Eve. Effect within 90 minutes. | L-tryptophan, green tea, B vitamins. |
Kalm Aid Gel
|
Liquid caramel-flavoured gel. | Daily or as needed. Apply to the paw or mix with food. Same effect as Kalm Aid tablets. | L-tryptophan, green tea, B vitamins. |
WelliChews™ Calming Soft Chews
|
Meat-flavoured soft chews. | Daily or as needed. Fast-acting, effect within 30–60 minutes. | L-tryptophan, L-arginine, chamomile, passionflower. |
Kalm Aid Calming Gel
|
Salmon-flavoured gel. | Daily or as needed. Fast-acting, effect within 1-2 hours. | L- tryptophan, green tea, B vitamins. |
When Are Calming Supplements Helpful for Cats?
Calming supplements can provide support in situations that cause stress or anxiety. These supplements offer gentle support that helps your cat stay calm and relaxed, making it easier for them to handle everyday challenges. Because they work in harmony with the body’s natural processes, they can be a valuable tool alongside training and environmental adjustments.
Calming Support for Travel
Most cats aren’t fond of car or train journeys, and many associate their carrier with stress. A calming supplement can help ease anxiety, making travel safer and more comfortable — for both cat and owner.
Calming Support for Separation Anxiety
While cats are known for their independence, they can still become anxious when left alone for long periods or when their owner’s routine changes. Calming supplements can help promote balance and well-being, allowing your cat to relax more easily in everyday life.
Calming Support for Environmental Changes
Cats are creatures of habit and can react strongly to changes in their surroundings. Moving house, new furniture, or the arrival of a new family member can disrupt their sense of security. A calming supplement can help your cat stay balanced and comfortable when their environment feels unfamiliar or unpredictable.
Calming Support for Nail Clipping and Handling
Nail clipping, vet visits, or being handled in ways they haven’t chosen can be stressful for cats. In these moments, calming supplements can provide extra support, helping your cat stay more at ease during situations that might otherwise cause tension or resistance.
Over-the-Counter or Prescription: What’s the Difference?
Over-the-counter calming supplements differ from prescription medicines as they work with natural ingredients and nutrients that support the body’s own systems. They are often the first choice for mild to moderate anxiety and can be used both short- and long-term. For more serious issues, or if you are unsure about the cause of your cat’s behaviour, it is always best to consult your vet.
The Best Calming Supplements for Cats – How to Choose
Choose a product based on your cat’s needs, personality, and the situations that tend to cause stress. A cat that becomes anxious during travel or vet visits may benefit from a fast-acting supplement, while a cat that is generally nervous or sensitive to change may respond best to a product designed for daily use.
For optimal results, combine supplements with behavioural training and a calm, stable environment. Give the product ahead of any expected stressful event, such as travel or a change in routine.
Our calming supplements for cats contain active ingredients such as L-theanine, L-tryptophan, and B-vitamins, which promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. With a range of easy-to-give formats, including gels, soft chews, and tablets, you can find the perfect option to help your cat stay calm and comfortable. Below, we’ll take a closer look at each product to help you find the right calming support for your feline friend.
Key ingredients to look for
• B vitamins – support the nervous system and energy metabolism. Read our guide on B vitamins.
• L-tryptophan – contributes to serotonin production and promotes calm. Read our guide on tryptophan.
• L-theanine (green tea extract) – naturally promotes relaxation.
• Chamomile & passionflower – herbs traditionally used to reduce anxiety.
• L-arginine – supports normal blood circulation and nerve function.
• GABA – an amino acid that helps calm nerve activity and promote relaxation.
Key Takeaways
- Calming supplements help cats during travel, vet visits, and changes.
- Supplements are made with natural, non-prescription ingredients.
- Effects vary. Some work fast, others suit daily use.
- Match the product to your cat’s needs and combine with training.
Discover Our Calming Range for Cats
Kalm Aid Tablets
✔️ Kalm Aid Tablets are one of our bestsellers, widely used for fireworks and other noise sensitivities.
✔️ A simple and effective supplement for short-term anxiety relief.
✔️ Flavoured with real meat taste – can be given directly or mixed with food.
✔️ Takes effect within 90 minutes. Can be repeated up to 3 times daily.
L-Tryptophan
An amino acid that promotes calm and wellbeing.
Green Tea Extract
Contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps reduce stress.
B-Vitamins
Support the nervous system and reduce stress-related tiredness.
Active ingredients (per tablet):
L-Tryptophan – 175 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – 2.515 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – 0.226 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – 0.042 mg
Green Tea Extract – 15 mg
Dosage:
Give according to the cat’s weight:
Under 5 kg: 1 tablet
5–10 kg: 1.5 tablets
10–20 kg: 2 tablets
20–30 kg: 2.5 tablets
Kalm Aid Gel
✔️ Kalm Aid Gel contains the same active ingredients as Kalm Aid Tablets and works quickly to reduce anxiety.
✔️ Perfect for pets that prefer liquid supplements.
✔️ Takes effect within 90 minutes. Can be repeated up to 3 times daily.
L-Tryptophan
An amino acid that promotes calm and wellbeing.
Green Tea Extract
Contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps reduce stress.
B-Vitamins
Support the nervous system and reduce stress-related tiredness.
Active ingredients (per 5 ml):
L-Tryptophan – 250 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – 3 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – 0.6 mg
Vitamin B6 – 0.05 mg
Green Tea Extract – 15 mg
Dosage:
Mix into your cat’s food according to weight:
Under 5 kg: 5 ml daily
5–10 kg: 10 ml daily
10–20 kg: 15 ml daily
20–30 kg: 20 ml daily
Over 30 kg: 25 ml daily
WelliChews™ Calming Soft Chews
✔️ WelliChews® are tasty soft chews, perfect for daily use or before stressful situations such as car travel, fireworks, or separation anxiety.
✔️ Convenient to keep in your pocket for on-the-go support, whether before travel or environmental changes.
✔️ Our fastest-acting calming product – works within 30–60 minutes and lasts 4–8 hours.
L-Tryptophan
An amino acid that promotes calm and wellbeing.
L-Arginine
Supports blood vessel dilation and circulation.
B-Vitamins
Support the nervous system and reduce stress-related tiredness.
Chamomile & Passionflower
Natural botanicals with calming and relaxing properties.
Active ingredients
Active extracts:
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) 2.4%
Chamomile 1.5%
Nutritional additives per kg:
Vitamin C 11,700 mg
Vitamin B3 7,290 mg
Vitamin B6 7,290 mg
Vitamin B1 4,860 mg
Vitamin B12 729 µg
L-Tryptophan 72,900 mg
L-Arginine 29,200 mg
Dosage
Give as a treat according to the cat’s weight.
Small dogs & cats:
0–5 kg: 1 chew daily
5–10 kg: 2 chews daily
Kalm Aid Calming Gel
✔️ Kalm Aid Calming gel helps reduce stress and anxiety in cats.
✔️ Popular and effective choice for travel, loud noises, or changes in routine.
✔️ Tasty salmon flavour – easy to give on food or from the paw.
✔️ Works within 1–2 hours and can be used daily or as needed.
L- tryptophan
An amino acid that promotes calm and wellbeing.
Green tea
Contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps reduce stress.
B vitamins
Support the nervous system and reduce stress-related tiredness.
Active ingredients
Sorbitol, Glycerine, Leaves Dried Camellia Sinensis (green tea)
Nutritional Additives per kg:
Vitamin B3 594mg
Vitamin B1 118mg
Vitamin B6 9.8mg
Amino Acids:
L-tryptophan 49,000mg
Analytical Constituents:
Crude Protein 3.8%
Crude Fat 24%
Crude Fibre <0.5%
Crude Ash 1%
Moisture Content 52%
Dosage
Available as 50 ml gel. 1 pump equals 2 ml.
Small cat 1 pump daily
Large cat 2 pump daily
For long-term management for behavioral problems, give small and large cats half the amount above daily.
FAQ: Calming Products for Cats
Yes, over-the-counter supplements are made with natural ingredients such as B-vitamins, L-tryptophan, and herbal extracts. They help promote calmness without affecting your cat’s personality or alertness.
Yes, fast-acting supplements given 30–60 minutes before travelling can help reduce anxiety and make the journey more comfortable for your cat.
No, calming supplements are available without prescription. However, if your cat experiences severe or ongoing anxiety, it’s best to consult your vet for tailored advice.
Most cats respond within 30–90 minutes. For ongoing support, daily use may offer the best results.